Military Sealift Command Oiler Wins SECNAV Environmental Award

Fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194)won the fiscal year 2006 Secretary of the Navy Environmental Quality Award in the Environmental Quality, Small Ship category.
In ALNAV Message 029/07, released March 30, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment B.J. Penn extended his personal congratulations to the winners.

“Your accomplishments are outstanding in their own right and exemplify the Department of the Navy’s commitment to environmental stewardship,” Penn stated.
Ericsson will compete in the Secretary of Defense Environmental awards later this year.
“We are extremely pleased to be recognized for our environmental efforts,” said Capt. Robert T. Wiley, the ship’s civil service master.

The 678-ft. ship, currently operating out of Pearl Harbor and crewed by 81 civil service mariners and a military detachment of 23 Sailors, was cited for its crew’s work in preventing pollution; ensuring readiness in responding to environmental issues; conserving resources; and complying with environmental regulations.
While the ship voluntarily met standards stricter than required by the Navy, it also ensured that each mariner received special training in environmental management; used environmentally friendly chemicals; and conducted monthly spill drills. As a result, in two years, Ericsson transferred almost 82 million gallons of fuel in 353 separate fuelings at sea without a significant mishap.